WEST COAST, UNITED STATES - West Coast growers are bracing themselves for what weather forecasters are calling the largest storm to hit the region since 2009. This weather system, commonly referred to by weather experts as the Pineapple Express, is expected to hit late Wednesday, December 10th, and last through Friday, December 12th, dumping an average of 3-5 inches of rain across Washington, Oregon, and Northern California. Over an inch of rainfall is also expected through large parts of Southern California, especially within the L.A. Basin.

Despite the severity of this weather system, growers tell ANUK that they already have time-tested procedures in place to deal with weather systems such as this one. Many have in fact remarked that they are pleased to hear that California will at last be enjoying significant rainfall, given the drought conditions the state has suffered throughout recent years.

“We're confident in the ability of our skilled growers to respond to whatever weather situations arise on an as-needed basis,” Dan Crowley, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Well-Pict, explained to me. “Having farmed out of the Oxnard plain for as many years as we have, our growers know how to respond to these types of weather conditions in a manner which will ensure that the quality of our California berries is maintained. Storms of this magnitude may delay our harvest for a day or two, but I do not foresee them having a significant impact on our operations, except to the extent that they help to bring California the rain our state so desperately needs.”

Even higher rainfall amounts are expected in the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, and Sierra foothills. The Sierra foothills below snow level, the coastal ranges and windward locations of the Olympic Mountains are forecasted to receive up to 8 inches of rain alone.

It is noteworthy that the last time San Francisco was forcasted for over 4 inches of rainfall in two days or less was during the strong El Niño season in February 1998. Given that California is not yet even experiencing an El Niño at this time, this comparison serves to starkly showcase the magnitude of the storm which the state is preparing for.

“We are certainly grateful for this water,” Cindy Jewell, California Giant Berry Farms’ Vice President of Marketing, shared. “We’ve already planted our northern districts, and our growers are now focused on ensuring there is proper drainage in place to prevent flooding. Plus, with up to three feet of snow projected in the Tahoe area, this could be good news for the snowpack, which is good news for California.”

As Cindy pointed out, the effect this storm could have on the California snowpack will be key. Restoring the California snowpack will be necessary to easing California out of its severe drought. The Weather Channel is forecasting blizzard conditions in the Sierra above 6,000 feet with 1-3 feet of snowfall. Outside of the blizzard warning area, The Weather Channel expects 1-3 feet of snow to fall from Wednesday night through Friday. A winter storm warning has been issued at areas above 5,500 feet. While this alone will not restore the snowpack to its pre-drought levels, it is certainly an important step in the right direction.

Stay tuned to AndNowUKnow for further updates on this approaching storm system and any effects it may have on the fresh produce industry.